Report-1850, December 31

Transcribed report on the activities of the Indian Manual Labor School Thomas Johnson, Superintendent Manual Labor School to Luke Lea, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington City dated Dec 31, 1850

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F.[ort] L.[eavenworth] Ind. M. L. School
Dec 31st 1850

Dear Sir

   In compliance with former instructions I now make my fourth quarterly report for the current year, of the condition of the Indian Manual Labor School under my care.

   The number of Indian scholars in attendance at this institution during the quarter ending Dec. 31st 1850 was seventy nine: Thirty nine males and Forty females: and from the following tribes:

   The scholars have been very regular in attendance during this quarter, much more so than has been customary for Indian children, and the whole of the above list with very few exceptions have attended regularly during the whole quarter.

   I think the scholars continue to make as much progress in their studies as could be expected, altho’ few if any stay long enough to receive a good English education, yet many learn to read and write sufficiently well to keep their own accounts.

   The course of instruction – time in school – at work etc. etc. is about the same as stated in former reports, adopting however from time to time such changes and improvements as seem to be requisite.

   We have at present four teachers employed, two for the males, and two for the females; these four teachers have the entire management of the scholars both in school and at work.

   The health of the Institution continues good: we have had no case of sickness requiring the attention of a physician in the last three months.

   Accompanying this report you will receive my account of disbursements for this quarter with vouchers.

   Thinking it unnecessary to trouble the department with every little item of expenditure, I only send vouchers sufficient to cover the amount appropriated for the support of this institution.

I have the honor to be dear Sir
Your Obt Servt
Thomas Johnson Supt
F.L. Ind. M.L. School

Hon Luke Lea
Comr Ind. Affs.
Washington City

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[Transcribed from microfilm roll MS981 frames 10.51-1052 in the collections of the Kansas State Historical Society, (National Archives Microfilm Series M234, roll 785) by Roger Berg Jr, May, 1991]